The federal government announced that it's investing $325,000 in FireRein Inc., a Napanee-based company, at a news conference in Napanee on Thursday.

By using "materials found in common foods, containing no environmentally toxic substances," FireRein Inc. created the world's first '100 percent biosourced' and environmentally friendly Eco-Gel.

"I am proud to see businesses based in rural communities, like FireRein, demonstrate leadership in using innovation to tackle critical environmental issues," Mike Bossio, member of Parliament for Hastings--Lennox and Addington, said in a release. "Today's announcement is great news for our community, as it is helping a local company to scale-up and boost innovation in clean technology while promoting safer and more effective firefighting technologies."

By just adding water to the Eco-Gel, firefighters are able to combat fires with the non-toxic gel that sticks to the surfaces it's sprayed on.

"The investment from FedDev Ontario allows us to significantly enhance our scale-up and business development activities," Rui Resendes, president and CEO, FireRein Inc., said. "This support will accelerate the widespread adoption of Eco-Gel ultimately enabling firefighters to knock-down fires faster and with less water while safeguarding human health and the environment."

With the investment, FireRein will be able to 'fully commercialize its product in both domestic and international markets'.

"Our government's investments in clean technology reflect our commitment to protecting the planet, while creating opportunities for early-stage businesses to scale-up. In addition, they emphasize a clear and strategic direction for economic development through innovation," Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said. "Innovations in clean technology will lead to products and services that have a strong impact on all sectors of the economy, the environment, and Canadians."